Rural Health and Farm Safety Survey

If you work in or with the agricultural field, please take this short survey to help us guide our programming to best meet our local needs. Click to enter survey.

Keeping Farms and Families Safe

In 1991, Carle Foundation Hospital recognized the need for education in agricultural safety after the devastating loss of Clifford and Dean Roberts, father and son who died in separate farming incidents. The Roberts family, in conjunction with Bernice and Zelma Holl, established the Roberts Memorial Fund to help support the Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety.

Today, the Center continues to promote agricultural health and safety to our rural neighbors and to prepare pre-hospital and emergency medicine providers to respond quickly and effectively to farming incidents and injuries.

Managing Stressful Situations

Stress

Stress is normal especially for farmers who deal with unpredictable weather and markets. However, unmanaged stress can cause more serious issues. Signs to monitor include headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, difficulty falling or staying asleep, lack of concentration or focus, irritability or anxiety among others.

It is important to identify your source of stress and recognize the warning signs because everyone responds to stress differently. Find healthy ways to manage stress such as exercising, or talking with friends or family. Also make sure to take care of yourself by eating right, staying hydrated with water and getting enough sleep. Mental health is just as vital as physical safety in the farming profession. Talk. Ask. Listen.

Depression

Some signs of depression include trouble concentrating, remembering details and making decisions, fatigue, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, insomnia, irritability and loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

Carle’s Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety knows farmers are tough and self-reliant but talking about emotions or pressures can be challenging. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK or dial 911. Farmers extend a great deal of energy caring for their land, livestock, machinery and family. As good as agricultural producers are in caring for others, they are not always as careful in taking care of themselves. Mental health is just as vital as physical safety in the farming profession. Talk. Ask. Listen.

Calling upon the farming community – friends, neighbors or clergy makes a difference in managing stressful situations and crisis. Resources are available. Contact the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-TALK or dial 911. Visit AgriSafe Network for additional information and mental health resources.

Careers

Get in touch with Carle

Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle Physician Group contract with insurance
providers separately and may or may not choose to participate in all of the same
insurance plans. Patients are urged to check with their carriers as to whether
services are covered for either or both organizations.